Spa Ritual’s 2012 Water collection is an homage to land and sea. This collection consists of 2 shimmers and 4 cremes. As an added bonus, 20% of the proceeds from this collection go to support SURGE, an organization that helps to bring water to those who need it (www.surgeforwater.org ). Fittingly, the collection features names that are relevant to water. ”Undercurrent” is a shiny navy blue creme. The color of the deep sea, navy blue is a perfect Spring to Summer color — a luxurious blue that is right, day or night. ” Ripple Effect” is an Easter Egg lavender. It’s pretty and covers well. For those who want something just a bit different but not too far afield from traditional pink, this is a nice choice. ” Ebb & Flow” features a bright, clear turquoise creme. The color is cheerful and trendy, and an instant mood lifter. It reminds me of Caribbean reefs, as seen from the air. ”Lucid” is a very light violet. Pretty, and easy to wear. “Deep” is a muddied plum that to me, looks too muddy and is more appropriate for Fall with woolens and tweeds, than the light and bright colors of spring and summer. But for those who can’t give up cool weather deep tones, it’s going to be a top pick. “Hidden Reef ” is my favorite. It’s a a shimmery coral with enough pink so it’s not too orange. It works the trendy orange/coral themes of spring and still looks pretty, not just bright. As to presentation, SpaRitual’s bottles are made from recyclable Italian glass with 50% recycled materials. The top has a rubberized, plum grip and a signature brush tip with shorter bristles for easier, smoother application. Even better, Spa Ritual polishes are vegan, Toluene , formaledhyde, and DBP Free. www.sparitual.com
Also new and nifty for nails is a collection of red-carpet worthy nail polishes by Julep. A portion of the proceeeds from every bottle of Julep Nail Vernis goes to organizations that support women. All Julep Nail Vernis polishes feature a 4-free formulas developed without formaledhyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene or DBP. Available for $14.00 each at www.Julep.com, these polishes also are distinctive for their pretty bottles: slim, rectangular, and reminiscent of perfume roller ball flacons. The colors are encased gracefully in oval loops within the rectangular, clear glass like they are precious jewels. Julep’s trendy colors are shiny and long lasting in every formula. The opaque colors are intense enough to cover well with just one coat, if you’re in a hurry.
This homage to the Oscars collection begins with a color fittingly called “Oscar.” It’s a clear base infused with a hefty amount of large flecks of glitter. Two coats of this make nails 24K- glittery. Also shimmery but not infused with glitter are colors named for popular actresses: My favorite is “Glenn,” a shimmery, bold, berry red shimmer that is perfect for fingers and toes, special occasion or not. “Rachel” is a deep shimmery copper; “Marisssa” is a deep slightly shimmery cobalt blue (trendy and perfect for spring); “Elizabeth” is a midnight blue with just a hitn of shimmer and a bit more purple than Marissa. A rich, royal purple is created with “Viola” which is a deep purple creme that looks bright with one coat, velvety purple with two. Finally there is Merylm a soft, dove grey creme that manages to be both trendy and yet subtle, great even if you’re in a conservative profession. Visit www.julep.com
If you’re looking for something inexpensive (under $1.00) to add to your nail wardrobe for Spring 2012, you can’t go wrong with a nude color. Nude nails were the thing on Fall 2012 runways, and will be a must-have from now on. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to try the trend, a good suggestion is ”Modern Romance” (4th from the left in the photo) from Essence Cosmetics. It will quickly become your favorite “grab-it-and-go” color. Not merely a flat, fleshy tan, this one has enough girly peach in it to make nails look healthy and pretty. The light nude is shiny and the mini-sized bottle makes is great for travel. Even better, it’s sheer enough that even one coat will give your nails a polished look that will last longer than a deeper or more opaque color. Several coats will take longer to dry but will give the color more intensity. For Spring/Summer the newest colors are: − nude it!− modern momance− glamorous life− a lovely secret− walk on air− gleam in blue− wanna be your suns− high spirits− luxury secret− black is back. Get Essence at Ulta stores and Ulta.com
